Halloween II (1981) (Collector's Edition)

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by Seymour

Shout has only recently started to include ENG subtitles with their blu-rays. All of the Scream Factory releases have them, except for Halloween II and III, and Ninja III. I think it comes down to cost/budget--they include them when the budget allows. That said, I'm not sure why H2 and H3 were released without subs.

As you said, it was a business decision. It costs money to make subtitles. I believe they started to include them after enough people complained about the lack of subtitles in their first few releases. I don't think they have released a single title without since (kudos to Scream Factory for listening to their customers).

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by Rz_Samurai

Is this the best version of H2 to buy as far as VQ and AQ go?

the price drop down to $16.99, is that a good price?

Also, if i were to order this from amazon.com, do you guys know if it still comes with the Slipcover? or is the slipcover OOP?

ThANKS

As far as which is the best quality, that depends on what you're looking for. Most people seem to say the Shout Factory disc looks more cleaned-up than the Universal disc. They both use the same transfer, but Shout Factory did additional clean-up work to remove more dirt and scratches. On the other hand, some may like Universal's print specifically because it's been touched-up less - less chance of too much post-processing or clean-up errors.

The audio isn't perfect on either release, but it's very good either way. The Universal disc has the original 2.0 stereo track, but it's not a master-audio track. The Shout Factory has master audio 2.0, but it's only mono, not stereo, which baffles me. They both have a 5.1 audio track also.

As far as extras, the Shout Factory disc has better extras, including a nice documentary, but Universal has one outstanding extra - the complete film "Terror in the Isles", which was previously unavailable since laserdisc. It's worth getting just for that, as it's the only way to get that film. I bought both Shout Factory and Universal - I bought the Universal before Shout Factory had announced their release, and when I saw the extras Shout Factory was coming out with, I had to grab it.

And yeah, $16.99 is a very good price for this title. I have no idea if they're still shipping the slipcovers with them, but I do still see this in stores with the slipcover - FYE had a copy last week with the slipcover.

[Rz_Samurai]

I see, i appreciate everyones feedback.

I guess i am going to have to take a chance with the slipcover...

Now my only problem is that i currently own the universal copy of h2 and i would need to sell it to replace for the shout factory copy.

Originally Posted by mar3o

As far as which is the best quality, that depends on what you're looking for. Most people seem to say the Shout Factory disc looks more cleaned-up than the Universal disc. They both use the same transfer, but Shout Factory did additional clean-up work to remove more dirt and scratches. On the other hand, some may like Universal's print specifically because it's been touched-up less - less chance of too much post-processing or clean-up errors.

The audio isn't perfect on either release, but it's very good either way. The Universal disc has the original 2.0 stereo track, but it's not a master-audio track. The Shout Factory has master audio 2.0, but it's only mono, not stereo, which baffles me. They both have a 5.1 audio track also.

As far as extras, the Shout Factory disc has better extras, including a nice documentary, but Universal has one outstanding extra - the complete film "Terror in the Isles", which was previously unavailable since laserdisc. It's worth getting just for that, as it's the only way to get that film. I bought both Shout Factory and Universal - I bought the Universal before Shout Factory had announced their release, and when I saw the extras Shout Factory was coming out with, I had to grab it.

And yeah, $16.99 is a very good price for this title. I have no idea if they're still shipping the slipcovers with them, but I do still see this in stores with the slipcover - FYE had a copy last week with the slipcover.

[Mike86]

You've got to be kidding. I just bought this after waiting it out since it was released and ordered this for $22.99 on Wednesday from Amazon and they dropped it to $16.99 now.

[BluPat]

Of course. When I don't have any money. I get paid Wednesday so maybe it'll hang on until then at this price.

[Blu Balls]

Hmmmm, $16.99 is tempting. I have the Universal replacement with lossless audio but, I want to see the extras on shout factory's release. I didn't really care for Terror in the aisles. It's just a bunch of clips from various horror films. Some are not even horror flicks! Maybe I'll finally buy this and have a H2 showdown. Oh yeah, what's up with the new Halloween blu ray coming in September? How is it different from the original blu ray release?

[AGH]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

Hmmmm, $16.99 is tempting. I have the Universal replacement with lossless audio but, I want to see the extras on shout factory's release. I didn't really care for Terror in the aisles. It's just a bunch of clips from various horror films. Some are not even horror flicks! Maybe I'll finally buy this and have a H2 showdown. Oh yeah, what's up with the new Halloween blu ray coming in September? How is it different from the original blu ray release?

Halloween will be issued a brand new transfer supervised by Dean Cundey, the director of photography. John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis are returning to record a brand new commentary track as well. Amazon has it up for preorder. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

[sackexchange]

Originally Posted by Rz_Samurai

Is this the best version of H2 to buy as far as VQ and AQ go?

the price drop down to $16.99, is that a good price?

Also, if i were to order this from amazon.com, do you guys know if it still comes with the Slipcover? or is the slipcover OOP?

ThANKS

Mine came today from amazon, NO slipcover.

[PurpleJesus74]

Originally Posted by sackexchange

Mine came today from amazon, NO slipcover.

Ah man that sucks.I just bought it for $19.99 at Hastings cause i wanted to make sure i got a slipcover.

[H-Mac]

Mine came last week while I was out of town - also no slipcover

Originally Posted by sackexchange

Mine came today from amazon, NO slipcover.

[Me-Hostage]

I'm still waiting for the local pawn shop to get this title in... I got Season of the Witch for $8 mint (still haven't watched it). They have part 2, but it's the original release and not the Shout Factory release.

[cramped_misfit90]

Originally Posted by DLBeLL1984

I'm still waiting for the local pawn shop to get this title in... I got Season of the Witch for $8 mint (still haven't watched it). They have part 2, but it's the original release and not the Shout Factory release.

Don't buy Halloween II original Universal BD release! It sucks! They edited out Moustapha Akkad presents on opening credits, No lossless audio, idiot cover and I have no idea how Universal got that version released! P#ssed me off instantly. Shout! Factory's version is amazing! Reversible cover (New artwork and on other side the ORIGINAL!), lossless audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, Moustapha Akkad presents is unedited unlike Universal's BD release and has great extras.

I hope Shout! Factory gets ahold of A Nightmare on Elm Street & Friday the 13th franchises!
Shout! Factory is one of the best BD companies out there for Horror.

[Rz_Samurai]

That sucks, i really want the slip cover, i even checked ebay for a seller selling the movie with the slip and cant seem to find one

[cramped_misfit90]

Originally Posted by Rz_Samurai

That sucks, i really want the slip cover, i even checked ebay for a seller selling the movie with the slip and cant seem to find one

I have the slipcover, But I did buy it really close to release date.

[tylergfoster]

Originally Posted by cramped_misfit90

I hope Shout! Factory gets ahold of A Nightmare on Elm Street & Friday the 13th franchises!

Dream on. If Universal controlled the entire Halloween series they never would've given up their entries.

[HeavyHitter]

So, those of you who have both the Universal and Shout versions: can you see much of a difference in motion with the dirt reduction on the Shout? I keep going back and forth on the screenshots and it seems so slight that I don't think in motion at normal seating differences it would be notable as far as grain reduction.

[fullclipfink]

Originally Posted by cramped_misfit90

Don't buy Halloween II original Universal BD release! It sucks! They edited out Moustapha Akkad presents on opening credits, No lossless audio, idiot cover and I have no idea how Universal got that version released! P#ssed me off instantly. Shout! Factory's version is amazing! Reversible cover (New artwork and on other side the ORIGINAL!), lossless audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, Moustapha Akkad presents is unedited unlike Universal's BD release and has great extras.

You do realize Universal corrected the Moustapha Akkad opening credit and added lossless audio? The corrected disc is offered as a free trade-in for people that bought the first pressing.

I'm not saying that makes the Universal release better, just mentioning those issues have been corrected for anyone still on the fence about which version to get.

[cramped_misfit90]

Originally Posted by tylergfoster

Dream on. If Universal controlled the entire Halloween series they never would've given up their entries.

Yeah I know. You're right. I just wish!

[cramped_misfit90]

Originally Posted by fullclipfink

You do realize Universal corrected the Moustapha Akkad opening credit and added lossless audio? The corrected disc is offered as a free trade-in for people that bought the first pressing.

I'm not saying that makes the Universal release better, just mentioning those issues have been corrected for anyone still on the fence about which version to get.

I didn't know about that. But still Shout! Factory's version is still better with the reversible covers and more extras. The cover sucks on the Universal release just because they bootlegged Rob Zombie's Halloween remake, Which doesn't make Hog Sense! The original Halloween & II would massacre Rob Zombie's Halloween & II! Decent movies but having the originals, I have no need for Rob Zombie's bullsh#t. His remakes are sickening compared to the originals. Big Time!

[mar3o]

Originally Posted by cramped_misfit90

Don't buy Halloween II original Universal BD release! It sucks! They edited out Moustapha Akkad presents on opening credits, No lossless audio, idiot cover and I have no idea how Universal got that version released! P#ssed me off instantly. Shout! Factory's version is amazing! Reversible cover (New artwork and on other side the ORIGINAL!), lossless audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo, Moustapha Akkad presents is unedited unlike Universal's BD release and has great extras.

I hope Shout! Factory gets ahold of A Nightmare on Elm Street & Friday the 13th franchises!
Shout! Factory is one of the best BD companies out there for Horror.

As others have mentioned, these errors have been corrected. Also, the Universal version comes with the complete film "Terror in the Aisles" in widescreen 1080p for the first time ever! That alone makes it worth picking up. I'm not trying to make excuses for Universal - what they did was sloppy, cruel and inexcusable regarding the opening credits - but they did correct it.

I also agree the Universal packaging is terrible. The Shout Factory packaging is far better, and the extras are much nicer too. This is a case where they're both worth getting - Shout Factory for the nice extras and better packaging, and Universal for the inclusion of "Terror in the Aisles". Both are nice transfers.